Assessment of compressive strength, durability, and erodibility of quarry dust-based geopolymer cement stabilized expansive soil

• Published in: Multiscale and Multidisciplinary Modeling, Experiments and Design Vol. 5; no. 1; pp. 81 - 90
• Main Authors: Onyelowe, Kennedy Chibuzor, Onyia, Michael E., Aneke, Frank I., Bui-Van, Duc, Rollins, Kyle M.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Cham Springer International Publishing 01.03.2022
• Subjects: Characterization and Evaluation of Materials; Engineering; Mathematical Applications in the Physical Sciences; Mechanical Engineering; Numerical and Computational Physics; Original Paper; Simulation; Solid Mechanics; Solid waste recycling; Sustainable geotechnics; Quarry dust; Durability; Soil erodibility; Compressive strength; Moisture bound materials
• ISSN: 2520-8160; 2520-8179
• DOI: 10.1007/s41939-021-00104-7

The effect of quarry dust-based geopolymer cement on the compressive strength, erodibility, and durability potential of expansive soils has been studied under laboratory conditions. The particular interest was on the geopolymer cement treatment of soils subgrade under hydraulically bound environments. Lateritic soils, which form the compacted foundation of pavements, tend to swell upon contact with moisture and shrink during the drying periods. These two factors affect the response and overtime performance of foundation infrastructure. On the other hand, underground and side rail surface flows affect badly constructed pavements by eroding dislodged foundation materials. However, the need to study the erodibility response of the foundation materials exposed to moisture movements has given rise to the present study. The soils classified as A-7–6, A-7–5, and A-7–5 soils according to AASHTO classification, which are highly plastic and expansive were treated with 10–120% by dry weight of soil and the effect on the compressive strength and durability was studied. Conversely, 10–150% by dry weight was used to study the erodibility response of the treated soils. Both treated frequencies were done at the rate of 10%. The treatment protocol showed that the geopolymer cement (GPC) consistently improved the compressive strength, erodibility, and durability of the treated soils. The results have shown that the green cement has improved the properties of the compacted earth utilized under moisture-bound environment and show the potential to be used as an alternative and sustainable binder for earthworks.